Word
mistrial
Phoneticsmis·tri·al, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈmɪsˌtɹaɪəɫ/
UK/mɪstɹˈaɪəl/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a trial that ends early without a final decision, often because of a serious mistake or because the jury cannot agree. You must start the whole trial again with a new jury.
n. a criminal or civil trial rendered invalid before verdict due to procedural error, misconduct, or a deadlocked jury. Results in no verdict and typically requires retrial with a new jury.
Examples
“The judge declares a mistrial after the jury disagrees.”
“After two jurors admit reading news about the case, the judge declares a mistrial and schedules a new trial.”
“The high-profile corruption case ended in a mistrial when the jury deadlocked after eleven days, forcing prosecutors to decide whether the expense of a retrial was justified.”
Examples
simple
“The judge declares a mistrial after the jury disagrees.”
contextual
“After two jurors admit reading news about the case, the judge declares a mistrial and schedules a new trial.”
complex
“The high-profile corruption case ended in a mistrial when the jury deadlocked after eleven days, forcing prosecutors to decide whether the expense of a retrial was justified.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “mistrial” in context.
Verb
01. avoid mistrial
“The judge warned jurors to avoid a mistrial.”
verb + noun
02. cause mistrial
“The juror's comments caused a mistrial.”
verb + noun
03. declare mistrial
“The judge had no choice but to declare a mistrial.”
verb + noun
04. grant mistrial
“The court granted a mistrial after new evidence emerged.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. costly mistrial
“The costly mistrial forced the state to fund a second full trial.”
adj + noun
06. high-profile mistrial
“The high-profile mistrial dominated news coverage for weeks.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. declaration of mistrial
“The declaration of a mistrial surprised everyone in court.”
noun + prep + noun
08. grounds for mistrial
“The defence argued there were clear grounds for a mistrial.”
noun + prep + noun
09. avoid a costly mistrial
“Strict instructions help avoid a costly mistrial.”
10. declare a mistrial
“The judge declared a mistrial when the jury could not agree.”
11. end in a mistrial
“The high-profile case ended in a mistrial last week.”
12. grant a motion for mistrial
“The court granted a motion for mistrial due to juror bias.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb 'declare' and is followed by retrial with a new jury.
Real-World Examples
“The judge declared a mistrial on 4 September after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict following nearly 40 hours of deliberating.” “A judge declared a mistrial on Friday in the U.S. murder trial of Lindsay Clancy for killing her three young children, a tragedy her attorney said occurred while she was suffering from postpartum psychosis.” “The mistrial opened the door for a potential retrial, though Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruz said his office had not decided whether to pursue one.” Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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